Graffiti Art Pilot Program
Last semester, in partnership with DFEO, we had the opportunity to pilot a free, after school graffiti art program for over 100 students at Doty, Griffiths, Stauffer, and Sussman Middle Schools. We collaborated with local muralist and founder of SELA Art Center, Tetris, to lead the instruction of the program, consisting of a two-hour, interactive workshop at each school site. Tetris created example artworks through live painting demonstrations and taught the students how to safely handle professional spray paint and perform various techniques, such as gradients, fading, lines, and color mixing. The students used water-based Montana Colors spray paint from RD Artist Supply and Art Supply Warehouse – a non-toxic and odorless spray paint that is safe for indoor and outdoor use – and were provided with one 24” x 36” canvases from Blick Art Materials to take home.
This program introduces young people to graffiti in a safe and supportive environment with the goal of increasing their access, appreciation, and technical knowledge to lower their risk of practicing unsafely or being impacted by the justice system. Additionally, this program contributes to the de-stigmatizing of graffiti, which has gained global recognition as an independent art form over the years.
We look forward to continuing and expanding on this program this year!